Representatives from several energy companies and the 75th Civil Engineer Squadron give out information to passers-by at Hill's Energy Awareness Fair held Oct. 9 at the Base Exchange. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alex R. Lloyd/Released)

10/25/2013 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hill AFB's Energy Management Office recently held the Hill Energy Awareness Fair Oct. 9. The event was part of National Energy Month, which is held every October, and in conjunction with the Air Force energy campaign, "I am Air Force energy." The organizers plan to hold the energy fair annually.

The Energy Management Office, Questar Gas, Rocky Mountain Power, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District shared energy saving tips, and encouraged positive conservation opportunities with members of Team Hill.

At the fair, the energy office also introduced their new team member, Col. Conserve, a 9-foot inflatable mascot. The mascot's objective is to promote awareness of energy to change culture. The Questar Gas mascot "Therm" also showed up to meet and greet attendees at the event.

Dave Abbott, Hill's energy manager, said that "personal awareness" is one key to saving energy.

"The Air Force is committed to fostering an 'energy aware' culture," Abbott said. "Every Airman plays a key role in achieving the base's energy goals by making energy a consideration in all we do."

Abbott said one of the ways to achieve this is by implementing training and education efforts that reduce energy demand, assure supply, improve resiliency, and foster a "energy aware" culture.

"Due to the magnitude of energy consumed by the Air Force, actions are being taken to reduce energy consumption," Abbott said. "The Air Force is changing the way it flies, increasing aviation efficiency and building more energy efficient facilities across the Air Force."

Abbott said every gallon of fuel or watt of electricity eliminated from day-to-day operations is one less that will need to be recovered in the event of a disruption.

"Energy efficiency improvements reduce operating costs and increase available funds for essential Air Force recapitalization and modernization efforts," he said. "The dollars not spent on fuel allow the Air Force to expand its capabilities, develop greater efficiencies and ensure resiliency is part of the Air Force mission."